Ernesto’s

Experience Ernesto's in Wellington! This central city restaurant boasts a 4.5-star rating, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Check it out today!

Steakhouse & Grill · Seafood$$4.5(264)Wellington

About Ernesto’s

This gem, nestled in the heart of Wellington, offers a delightful dining experience. With a 4.5-star rating and a moderate price range ($$), it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is vibrant, clean, and nicely arranged, with a tropical, floral theme that extends to the eye-catching menu. Diners rave about the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the ability to accommodate groups of various sizes. The restaurant is known for its delicious offerings, including the catch of the day and tender beef short ribs. Guests appreciate the convenience of nearby paid parking and the option to make reservations in advance. Adding to the experience are features like outdoor seating and live music, plus a great selection of cocktails.

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Restaurant Analysis

Restaurant Characteristics

Formula-Based Analysis

This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.

💰Price Range
Moderate
🕐Meal Time
dinner
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
🎭Atmosphere
Outdoor
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Features & Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
+4 more

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Why Travelers Love Ernesto’s

Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.

4.5 / 5.0(264 reviews)

A cozy place in the heart of the city. Paid parkings are available in the surrounding and reservations can be done in prior. Staff is really friendly and helpful. The vibe is great and place is so clean and nicely arranged. Can accomodate several size of groups. The tropical, floral theme is so eye-catchy, specially the menu. We ordered the catch of the day - fish, prawns served with some salad leaves and a dip, loved the dip. Beef short ribs - meat was so tendered, delicious. Sirloin steak - flavours well absorbed into the meat. Calamari was soo crunchy and yummy too. It is very much kid-friendly. There’s a kids menu and kids activity set will be given. So its easy to keep them entertained. We ordered chicken pasta for the little one and she enjoyed it. The main highlight was the ice cream sundea, mouth watering. Definitely a very good place to hang out with friends and team mates.. The best place in Wellington hands down. We were driving through and decided to stop in Wellington for a few nights, a friend recommended this place and coming here was the best decision ever! The food was beautifully plated and tasted incredible - we shared plates which made it cost efficient. The beverages are to die for, especially their dessert martini’s - I would drink them everyday if I could. But the highlight for us was the service. Everyone was incredible. They were having quite a busy night but never failed to keep us satisfied. A very special mention to our server Emmy, she was always willing to help and even recommended the best bites on the menu. She always walked around with a smile and had such a genuine care for the people she serves. The manager caitlin (hopefully the right name), was also amazing! Would highly recommend this place to anyone needing a place to eat! Came here for my birthday dinner. I ordered the beef short rib, it was delicious and the food came out quick! However the prices of mains and sides are quite high for the potions. Probably won’t go back again but it was good to try, and I appreciated how many df options were on the menu

Find the Restaurant

Where to Find Them

1 Grey Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Closed Now
Monday7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday7:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
SundayClosed

Recent Reviews

Shafwana S.

September 20, 2025

A cozy place in the heart of the city. Paid parkings are available in the surrounding and reservations can be done in prior. Staff is really friendly and helpful. The vibe is great and place is so clean and nicely arranged. Can accomodate several size of groups. The tropical, floral theme is so eye-catchy, specially the menu. We ordered the catch of the day - fish, prawns served with some salad leaves and a dip, loved the dip. Beef short ribs - meat was so tendered, delicious. Sirloin steak - flavours well absorbed into the meat. Calamari was soo crunchy and yummy too. It is very much kid-friendly. There’s a kids menu and kids activity set will be given. So its easy to keep them entertained. We ordered chicken pasta for the little one and she enjoyed it. The main highlight was the ice cream sundea, mouth watering. Definitely a very good place to hang out with friends and team mates..

Kara F.

November 14, 2025

The best place in Wellington hands down. We were driving through and decided to stop in Wellington for a few nights, a friend recommended this place and coming here was the best decision ever! The food was beautifully plated and tasted incredible - we shared plates which made it cost efficient. The beverages are to die for, especially their dessert martini’s - I would drink them everyday if I could. But the highlight for us was the service. Everyone was incredible. They were having quite a busy night but never failed to keep us satisfied. A very special mention to our server Emmy, she was always willing to help and even recommended the best bites on the menu. She always walked around with a smile and had such a genuine care for the people she serves. The manager caitlin (hopefully the right name), was also amazing! Would highly recommend this place to anyone needing a place to eat!

Jaz

May 23, 2025

Came here for my birthday dinner. I ordered the beef short rib, it was delicious and the food came out quick! However the prices of mains and sides are quite high for the potions. Probably won’t go back again but it was good to try, and I appreciated how many df options were on the menu

s S.

February 14, 2025

First thing first, the waiting staff who looked after us was above and beyond amazing who provided us with the greatest recommendations on food and drinks, checked in from time to time but not at all awkward or like a robot like in most other restaurants, and just gives people such positive energy. We had their signature sandwich which was super delicious and their mocktails are creative. Will definitely go back and recommend to others. Thanks for a great Valentine's Day meal ❣️

Robin D.

May 27, 2025

What a great restaurant. Food was excellent so was the service. Very good wine list. Great to eat alone or with a group. The fish dish we had was haupuka and included some prawns on a cauilflour puree with cocktail tomatoes. The fish was fresh and the food flavours outstanding. Loved this place.

What to Expect

Features and amenities that make Ernesto’s special

Outdoor Seating

Live Music

Cocktails

Beer

Wine

Coffee

Groups Welcome

Reservations

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you visit

Payment Options

Credit Cards
Debit Cards
NFC/Contactless

Parking

Free Street Parking
Paid Parking Lot
Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating

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